More Than Real Estate

If we have done a good job for you, we hope you will refer us to your family, friends, co-workers and business aquaintances.  There are all sorts of reasons why people end up buying or selling and we would like to make you aware of those:

Marriage, Divorce, Having a new baby, Kids moving out, Promotion at work, Relocating, Losing a job, Downsizing, Upsizing, Taking advantage of the tax credits, Becoming liquid, Maybe “it’s just time”.

If you would like to refer someone to us, by all means give out our names and phone numbers.  In addition, ask the person if we could give them a call and contact us with their information.  We offer referral gifts (i.e., movie passes, lunch gift card, etc.) when we initially receive the contact, but we can’t do this if we don’t know about it. 

Then, when that person closes on a new home or investment, we’ll send you a thank you gift (perhaps a gift certificate to a store or restaurant).  This way, you will know how much your referrals mean to us.  We will do our very best to assist those you have referred to us.

We do the majority of our business by referral, so we would like to include all of our clients in this special program.  Now that you are aware of it, we look forward to hearing from you!

Rob and Vicki Graham
(307) 631-6884
Vicki@RealEstateInCheyenne.com

Food allergies can promote healthier cooking and healthier eating. Awareness of ingredients creates awareness of every aspect of the food. Over the past 25 years, I have created and rearranged recipes that taste good and require only moderate modifications from the original recipes.

It can be very exciting when you find food to eat that has been forbidden for such a long time. I can still remember the first pancake I created; it had been over 15 years that I had tasted one. I thought it was heaven. I invited my husband to give it a try too. He still laughs when he recalls that day. I thought the taste was fabulous, and he struggled to get it down. Ones perspective can vary widely.

I am excited to share with you a few of the recipes I have converted to be gluten and grain free

TASTE GOOD BROWNIES

1 Cup Raw Pecans
½ Banana
6 Tablespoons Walnut Oil
½ Cup Agave Nectar
2 Eggs
½ Cup Organic Cocoa Powder
¼ Cup Arrowroot OR ¼ Cup Corn Starch

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Oil 8×8x2 baking pan with walnut oil. Grind pecans in food processor to a consistency of meal.

Mash ½ banana in mixing bowl, add pecans, walnut oil, agave nectar, eggs, cocoa, and arrow root. Stir to blend. Pour into oiled baking pan.

Bake for 20 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Let cool, then cut into 12 bars.

CHICKEN ENCHILADAS WITH WHITE GREEN CHILI SAUCE

4-6 Cooked boneless chicken breasts shredded (for tender chicken and less time, cook in crock pot then shred)
16 Ounces shredded Monterey Jack Cheese or Mozzarella Cheese
3/4 Cup Minced Onion
1/4 Cup Butter
2-3 Tablespoons Corn Starch
2 Cups Chicken Broth
1 Cup Sour Cream
1/4 Cup Chopped Green Chilies
1/4 Cup Chopped Green Onions
1/4 Cup Chopped Fresh Cilantro
12 Corn Tortillas
Olive Oil for Cooking Tortillas

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C)

Spray tortillas with olive oil and cook in non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Fry tortillas for 5 -10 seconds each to soften and make soft for rolling. Keep warm.

Fill each tortilla with chicken, cheese, and minced onion. Roll each tortilla and place seam side down in a greased baking pan.

Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat. Add corn starch and whisk until mixture begins to boil. Slowly add the chicken broth, stirring with a whisk until thickened. Mix in the sour cream and chilies, heat thoroughly but do not boil, stirring occasionally. Pour mixture over the chicken enchiladas.

Bake in pre-heated oven for 20 minutes or until heated through. Top with remaining cheese and bake for 5 more minutes.

Garnish with green onions and cilantro.

I sincerely hope you enjoy these two wheat-free dishes and feel a sense of freedom while enjoying real food again.

 Vicki Graham
http://GrahamHouse.com

So, you have searched the web, looked at all of the photos, know the homes on the market, and you are ready to call a Real Estate Professional to find your perfect home.

Let’s discuss some techniques for purchasing your first home.

• See a Lender to know how much your loan approval will be and if you are qualified to purchase a home. 
• Ask someone you trust to refer a Real Estate Professional.  This will alleviate some of the apprehension and allow you to start the process with a trust level that you would not otherwise have.
• Sit down with your Agent and go over contracts and expected procedures prior to looking at homes.  This allows for familiarity when you are ready to write an offer on the home you will purchase.
• Is Buyer Agency right for you.  Representation is important and the advice and knowledge from your Agent is essential. 
• Ask questions if you do not understand all of the terms.
• Do not expect to remember everything you initially discuss.
• Let your Real Estate Professional assist you with selecting homes to view.  They know the market and have listened to your priorities.
• Look at 7-10 homes and discuss your likes and dislikes with your Agent.
• Your price range may change at this point.  Seven out of ten buyers start at a lower range and work their way up to their comfort level.
• Find two to three homes you like.
• Revisit each one.  You will more than likely know it’s the right home for you on the second visit.
• Make a selection.
• Make an offer and negotiate with the Seller.  Remember, during the counter offer stage, you are not under contract and another individual can make an offer.
• Your agent will guide you through the amount to offer, your closing date request, inspection requests or due diligence, and the procedures necessary to submit an offer.

Your Offer was accepted.  Congratulations, you are 30 to 45 days away from owning your first home.

 What happens Next?

• All signatures from Buyer and Seller are obtained to create an executed contract.
• Deliver earnest money.
• See your lender and secure your financing.
• Start comparing insurance quotes.
• Work with your Real Estate Professional to meet all contract requirements.
• Give notice if you are in a current lease.
• Call the utility companies and give your information along with your new address and the date you will move in.
• Start packing
• Notify Postal Service of your new address.
• Negotiate any items necessary for contract to be executed on time.
• Read the Title Commitment and ask questions about what you do not understand.
• Do a final walk through.
• Review the Settlement Statement
• Receive the keys to your new home.
• MOVE IN !

 I hope that your home buying experience is not only successful but also enjoyable!

Vicki Graham
The Property Exchange
http://RealEstateInCheyenne.com
Vicki@RealEstateInCheyenne.com
(307) 631-6884

Perception of clean is different for all of us.  When sellling your home, it should be detailed just as it is when you buy a used car.  You would not appreciate buying a car or a home and needing to have it cleaned prior to driving or moving in.  Clean equals dollars.

How do we determine what is clean?

• Smells fresh
• Carpets are clean and free of stains
• Applicances are spotless
• Floors and counters are clean
• Yard is manicured
• Should look professionaly detailed
• Cupboards look new and are clean inside and out
• Windows are freshly cleaned
• Blinds and window covering are dust free
• Window sills are dust free and cleaned and show no stains
• Toilets are impeccable
• Caulking around tub and fixtures is clean but may need to be replaced
• Clean hardwater stains from shower doors, mirrors, and fixtures
• Firplace doors should be see-through and newly cleaned
• Light bulbs, lights, and fans, all should be working and dust and cob web free
• Light switch covers are dirt free
• Entrance or first impression is the most imporant.  Possibly a new welcome mat, front door freshly painted, colorful plant, etc.

How does this affect the sale of your home?

It may add some value but certainly the appeal of a clean home will place your’s at the top of the competion.  Best of all, a buyer is willing to pay for a cleaner home.

Questions?

Rob and Vicki Graham, CRS

Contact Rob or Vicki Graham
The Property Exchange
(307) 631-6884
Vicki@RealEstateInCheyenne.com